Image reading device and image processing method utilizing the same

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed an image processing apparatus provided with a reader for reading an original image, a connection unit for connection with a network to which plural computers are connected, and a transfer units for transferring the image data, read by the reader, to a computer through the connection unit, the apparatus comprises a specifying unit for specifying desired one among the computers connected through the connection unit, and a designation unit for designating image reading by the reader, wherein the transfer unit is adapted to transfer the image data, read by the reader in response to the designation by the designation unit, to a computer specified by the specifying unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image reading device for reading animage and sending image data to an externally connected host computer orthe like, and an image processing method utilizing such device.

2. Related Background Art

The conventional image reading device (image scanner) for sending theread image to the computer is usually connected to a single computer andoperates according instructions therefrom. Also the image reading deviceitself is positioned close to the computer. This is because the SCSI(small computer system interface) usually employed for connecting thecomputer and the image reading device cannot utilize a very long cable,and also because cumbersome operations are required, such as visitingthe both plural times, if they are physically distant, as the originaldocument has to be set on the image reading device while the operationthereof has to be made on the computer.

Such conventional configuration is extremely inconvenient in case pluralusers wish to use the computer connected to the image reading device.The image reading cannot be executed if the computer is used for anotherjob, and the computer cannot be used for other jobs if the priority isgiven to the image reading. As a result, the computer becomes inevitablyassigned exclusively to the image reading device, and it is thereforedifficult for the plural users to simultaneously use the computerconnected to such image reading device. Also additional works arerequired for transferring the image, taken into such computer, to othercomputers belonging to such users.

It is also conceivable to connect the image reading device and thecomputer by means of a network such as Ethernet, and such configurationallows to effect the image reading operation by the computer connectedto the network or another available computer. On the other hand, thesignificantly large physical distance between the two, resulting fromsuch network connection, results in another inconvenience. As anexample, in case of using an image reading device, located on the fifthfloor of a building, from a computer located on the second floor, it isquite difficult to smoothly and promptly effect the setting of theoriginal document on the image reading device and the operation on thecomputer. More specifically there are required cumbersome operations ofat first setting the original on the image reading device on the fifthfloor, then operating the computer on the second floor, and returning tothe fifth floor for fetching the original after image reading.

Such drawback becomes more serious in case the image reading device isrealized as an additional function of a copying apparatus. For example,in case such device is frequently used for local document copying in thecopying apparatus, if the original is left unremoved for a long time,there may be hindered the user of the apparatus for copying during suchtime or the original may be undesirably removed by another personutilizing the copying apparatus.

In this manner, the conventional image reading device, not designed inconsideration of the operation characteristics in case of effecting theimage reading operation and the image data output operation etc.respectively in physically distant locations, requires cumbersomeoperations when the image reading device is connected with the computerthrough the network.

Also the functions of the image reading device cannot be fully exploitedby the external computer or by the image reading device itself, sincethe convenience of use of other additional functions such as the copyingfunction has not been considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading devicenot associated with the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image readingdevice capable of transferring read image data to a desired computer, byan instruction made on the image reading device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imagereading device capable, in case transferring the read image data to anexternal computer, of preventing prolonged occupation thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imagereading device with improved operation characteristics.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imagereading device enabling effective utilization of the functions thereof.

Still other objects of the present invention, and the features thereof,will become fully apparent from the following detailed description,which is to be taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of a copyingapparatus constituting a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a network connection in the above-mentionedembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the copying apparatus of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 4 is an external view of an operation unit and a digitizer infirst, second and third embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the shift of display on a display unit 22 in areading operation in the first, second and third embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the shift of display on a display panel, in acopy area designating operation in a copying process in the first,second and third embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of an image process unit 14 in thefirst, second and third embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a view showing packet communication with a computer in thefirst, second and third embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus in the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the copyingapparatus of the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a transmission task and a reception task inthe copying apparatus of the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus and image processingapparatus, constituting an image reading system of the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing the shift of display on a display unit 22 in areading operation in the third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of a copyingapparatus of the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a transmission task and a reception task inthe copying apparatus of the third embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a facsimile apparatusconstituting a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of network connection of thefacsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a view showing the content of information stored in a LANinformation memory 127 of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a reading process of an original imagein the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an acquiring process of user informationin the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing another example of the reading processof the original image and the acquiring process of user information inthe fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing still another example of the readingprocess of the original image and the acquiring process of userinformation in the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the control process for renewing userinformation in the LAN information memory 127 in the facsimile apparatus201, by a user information management processor in the server 202 in thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copyingapparatus constituting a fifth embodiment of the present embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of connection of the copyingapparatus 300 shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the copyingapparatus 300 of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a view showing a display image for selecting the contents ofprocess of the fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 28 and 29 are flow charts showing a print process by a master modeof the copying apparatus 300 of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a view showing a display image for selecting computers in thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a view showing a display image for selecting files in thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a file transfer process in the computerin the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an original image reading process in themaster mode of the copying apparatus 300 in the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a view showing a display image in an original image readingprocess in the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a view showing a display image at computer control in thecopying apparatus 300 of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a view showing the configuration of an interface program ofthe computer with the copying apparatus 300 in the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing a selection process of the computer inthe master mode of the copying apparatus 300 in the fifth embodiment;and

FIG. 38 is an external view of an operation unit of the copyingapparatus 300 of the fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now the present invention will be clarified in detail by preferredembodiments thereof shown in the attached drawings.

First Embodiment

At first there will be explained a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the entire configuration of an image readingsystem constituting a first embodiment of the present invention. Acopying apparatus 1 is a composite machine provided, in addition to theknown function of reading and printing the original image, with a remotescanner function of transmitting the read image to the exterior and aprinter function of printing the image received from the exterior. Thecopying apparatus 1 is connected with other computers with a network 3.In the present embodiment, the network 3 is composed of an Ethernet.However, there may be employed other networks as long as pluralcomputers can be connected by such networks. In addition to the copyingapparatus 1, plural computers 2A to 2E are connected to the network 3.Such network 3 is a local area network used for mutually connectingcomputers on a floor or in a building, for example the computers on thefourth floor of a building, shown in the upper half of FIG. 2 and thoseon the third floor of this building, shown in the lower half.

In such network connection, each equipment on the network has an IDnumber or a system name, by which the equipment can be distinguishedfrom others. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of simplicity ofexplanation, each equipment is identified by a system name. For examplethe computer 2A has a system name A, and the computer 2B has a systemname B.

In case the copying apparatus 1 is used as a local copying machine, theoperator brings the original to the copying apparatus 1, then executesthe copying operation thereon and returns with the original and theobtained copy. In case the copying apparatus 1 is used as a remoteprinter, the operator sends the print data to the copying apparatus 1from his own computer through the network 3, and visits the copyingapparatus 1 to take the obtained print. In case the copying apparatus 1is used as a remote scanner, the operator brings the original to thecopying apparatus 1, then reads and sends the original image to thecomputer of the operator by means of the operation unit of the copyingapparatus 1, then returns with the original and utilizes the image dataon his computer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the copying apparatus 1 in the firstembodiment of the present invention. In case the copying apparatus 1 isused as a local copying machine, the original placed on an unrepresentedoriginal table is scanned with a scanner unit 12 to obtain electricalsignals, which are transmitted through a selector 13, subjected tovarious digital image processes in an image process unit 14 andsubjected to image formation in a printer unit 15.

In case the copying apparatus 1 is used as a printer, image datasupplied for example from the computer 2A are transmitted through anexternal communication circuit 4 and a CPU bus 8 and are developed intoa raster image in an image memory 9, under the control of a control unit5. Then the printer unit 15 is activated, and the image data read fromthe image memory 9 are supplied through the selector 13 and the imageprocess unit 14 to the printer unit 15 for image formation.

In case the copying apparatus 1 is used as a remote scanner, theoriginal placed on the unrepresented original table is scanned with thescanner unit 12 to obtain electrical signals, which are transmittedthrough the selector 13, and subjected to various digital imageprocesses in the image process unit 14, and thus processed image data 16are stored as a raster image in the image memory 9. Then the image data,read from the image memory 9, are supplied through the CPU 8 and theexternal communication circuit 4 and transmitted for example to thecomputer 2A under the control of the control unit 5.

An address generation unit 10 generates, based on unrepresented imagesynchronization signals, addresses for the image memory 9 for reading ofthe image data 11 at the printing operation and for writing the imagedata 16 at the reading operation.

An operation unit 6 is used by the operator for various operation aswill be explained later. A digitizer 17 is provided for designating anarea on the original, as will be explained later.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the operation unit 6 and the digitizer 17of the image reading apparatus of the present embodiment. This drawingalso represents a plan view of the scanner unit of the copying apparatus1, with an original pressure plate in the closed state. The operationunit 6 is provided in front, and the digitizer 17 is provided on theoriginal pressure plate. The operation unit 6 is provided with alarge-sized liquid crystal display unit 22, numeral keys 23, a copystart key 24, and function keys 21 including a scan key and an areadesignation key. The liquid crystal display unit 22, capable ofdisplaying arbitrary characters, displays various messages for achievinginteractive operations.

The digitizer 17, often utilized in the digital copying machines, isused for designating an area. For the area designation, an original isplaced with its image-bearing face upwards on an original placing area25, with the upper right corner of the original impinging on a referenceposition, and two diagonal points of a desired rectangular area 27 aredesignated with a pen 26. Inside the original placing area 25 there isprovided a circuit (not shown) for detecting the position of thedesignating pen, and the information of the designated area can beobtained from the detected coordinates. FIG. 4 shows a closed state ofthe original pressure plate. In the actual original reading operation,this pressure plate is opened, and the original is placed with its facedownwards, and with its upper left corner impinging on a referenceposition.

FIG. 5 shows the messages displayed according to the process on theliquid crystal display unit 22 of the operation unit 6, when the copyingapparatus 1 is used as a remote scanner. At first, when a scan key isdepressed among the function keys 21 of the operation unit 6, there isdisplayed an image frame 31, requesting the designation of an area to beread on the original with the digitizer 17. Though not illustrated inFIG. 5, it is also possible to read the entire area of the originaltable or to read fixed size such as A4 or A3, without relying on thedigitizer 17.

Then an image frame 32 requests the designation of an image type to beread. In the present embodiment, there can be selected three imagetypes, namely an RGB type representing a full-color image, ablack-and-white multi-value type in which each pixel is represented by 8bits between black and white, and a black-and-white binary type in whicheach pixel is represented by one bit, i.e. black or white. These imagetypes can be selected by the numeral keys 23 on the operation unit 6.

In a next image frame 33, selection is made on the format to be used inthe transfer of the read image data to a computer. In the image frame33, the RAW DATA means transfer of the read original data, withoutaddition of header etc. TIFF (tag image file format) and PICT areformats already well known in the computer technology, containing theinformation of the image size etc. in the header. JPEG COMPRESSION meansdata transfer to the computer after the JPEG compression, which isalready known as a standard compression method. UNIT COMPRESSION meansdata transfer to the computer after the UNIX compression, which is alsoknown as a standard compression method. There may also be employed otherknown image formats. In this manner the image frame 33 requestsselection of one of various formats.

In a next image frame 34, the image resolution is designated. Thescanner unit of the present embodiment is provided with an array ofplural reading elements arranged as to read the image with a resolutionof 400 dpi. On the image frame 34 there can be selected a resolution notexceeding 400 dpi. A resolution lower than 400 dpi can be realized byskipping the image read with 400 dpi. The resolution is entered by thenumeral keys 23 and fixed by an unrepresented OK key. On this imageframe, there is also displayed the image size, which is represented bythe vertical size, the horizontal size and the total size of the image.These sizes vary according to the area size designated on the imageframe 31, the image type designated on the image frame 32, and the fileformat designated on the image frame 33. The illustrated image frame 34indicates that an area of 1024×1024 pixels read in the RGB type with aresolution of 72 dpi and transferred in the raw data format requires adata capacity of 3 Mbytes (1024×1024×3). A high resolution provides animage of a higher resolution but increases the image size, leading to alarger disk capacity for data storage and a longer data transfer time.

On a next image frame 35, there is selected a computer as thedestination of the read image data. On this image frame, selection ismade among the listed computers 1 to 4 registered in advance. Forexample, “1:A” corresponds to the computer A in FIG. 2. In theillustrated example, there are displayed actual system names, but it isalso possible to display contracted names if the actual system names aretoo long, or to display other names different from the actual systemnames. Though the image frame 35 only shows four computers in the list,it is also possible to display a larger number of computers by scrollingor by page switching.

Upon selecting “5: LIST DISPLAY” on the image frame 35, there isdisplayed an image frame 36 showing the list of equipment currentlyconnected to the network, and a computer is selected in the list, as thedestination of the read image. In the network protocol, there isprovided a mechanism for inquiring the connected equipment, and theequipment connected to the network 3 are investigated by such mechanism.It is also possible to investigate the equipment connected to thenetwork 3, by monitoring the sources and the destinations of the dataflowing on the network 3.

When one of the computers A to D is selected, the display shifts to animage frame 37, requesting the designation of a directory for imagestorage within the destination computer. The image frame 37 at firstdisplays a default directory as the current directory (for example A1).Storage is selected if such directory is acceptable. If anotherdirectory is desired, the selection is moved to desired one among thedisplayed list of subdirectories. After the movement the display returnsto the image frame 37, on which the storage is selected.

A next image frame 38, displaying the file name for data storage,requests the last instruction whether or not to execute the imagereading. When the operator places the original on the unrepresentedoriginal table and selects the reading, the image reading operation isinitiated and the image data of the designated area, file format, imagesize and resolution are transferred to the designated directory of thedesignated computer, and then the display returns to the standard imageframe. In the present embodiment, the file name is automaticallygenerated and consists of a prefix “IMG”, followed by a serial numberindicating the order of image reading, and “.raw” indicating that thefile format is raw data.

FIG. 6 shows the message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22of the operation unit 6, for copying area designation prior to thecopying operation, in case the copying apparatus 1 is used as the localcopying machine. After depression of an area designation key within thefunction keys 21 on the operation unit 6, there is displayed the imageframe 39 on which an area is designated on the original with thedigitizer 17. Then, on an image frame 40, there is selected a mode ofthe image processing to be applied to the image within the designatedarea. Trimming means a mode of copying the image of the designated areaonly. MASKING means a mode of copying the image except for thedesignated area. NEGATIVE/POSITIVE INVERSION means a mode of imageformation with negative/positive inversion of the image in thedesignated area. After such designation, there is conducted anotherdesignation such as of the copy number with the numeral keys, and thecopy start key 24 is depressed to initiate the copying operation withthe designated mode. As explained in the foregoing, the operation unit6, the liquid crystal display unit 22 and the numeral keys 23 thereinare also used for the mode designation for the reading operation and thestart of the reading operation in the use as the remote scanner, andalso for the mode designation and the start of copying operation in theuse as the local copying machine. Besides the digitizer 17 is used forarea designation in the reading operation in the use as the remotescanner and also for that in the copying operation in the use as thelocal copying machine. In this manner the configuration of the apparatuscan be simplified.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the image process unit 14. Imagedata 19 transferred from the scanner unit 12 or the image memory 9 areat first subjected to a smoothing process in a smoothing circuit 41.This process reduces the image frequency in order to avoid moireefringes in case of an image reduction in an enlargement/reductioncircuit 42 to be explained later, and is only applied in case of theimage reduction. Then the enlargement/reduction circuit 42 enlarges orreduces the image size, or does not change the image size. A nextnegative/positive inversion circuit 44 effects data inversion in case ofnegative/positive inversion, but the data are simply passed in case suchinversion is not required. A control register 43 retains the parametersfor the smoothing circuit 41 and the enlargement/reduction circuit 42,and parameters indicating whether or not to effect smoothing, rate ofenlargement or reduction and whether or not to effect negative/positiveinversion are set therein by the control unit 5 through the CPU bus 8.The image process unit is used for the image processing of the readimage data in the use as the remote scanner, and also for the imageprocessing of the read image data in the use as the local copyingmachine. For example, in case of image reading with 400 dpi as, theremote scanner, the image data are simply passed by the circuits in theimage process unit 14. On the other hand, if the reading resolution isless than 400 dpi, the image data are subjected to the smoothing in thesmoothing circuit 41, then passed by the negative/positive inversioncircuit, and are subjected to a reduction process to the designatedresolution by the enlargement/reduction circuit 42. In the local copyingoperation, in case of equal-size copying, the data are passed by thesmoothing circuit 41 and the enlargement/reduction circuit 42. On theother hand, in case of a reduction copying, the data are subjected tothe smoothing process in the smoothing circuit 41 and then to thereduction process in the enlargement/reduction circuit 42. In case of anenlarged copying, the data are passed by the smoothing circuit 41 andsubjected to an enlargement process in the enlargement/reduction circuit42. In the copying operation, the negative/positive inversion circuit 44is so set as to effect the negative/positive inversion only when thenegative/positive inverted copying is instructed. For the purpose ofsimplicity, FIG. 7 only shows simple image processing, but other imageprocessing circuits such as a color conversion circuit, can also be usedin common in the reading operation for the local copying and in the useas the remote scanner.

In the following there will be explained the data flow on the network 3,with reference to FIG. 8e In FIG. 8, A to E correspond to the computersshown in FIG. 2, and S corresponds to the copying apparatus 1. Also “No.1” etc. indicate packet numbers.

Though simplified in FIG. 8 for the purpose of clarity, the dataexchange on the network 3 is conducted in the unit of a packet. Largedata are transmitted after division into plural packets, which arereconstructed in the receiving side. Also plural transmission areexecuted in parallel manner, on time-shared basis. The time sharing isexecuted in the unit of a packet. For example, in FIG. 8, at first afirst packet of the scan data is transferred from the copying apparatus1 to the computer A in 51A. Then, in 51B, another packet is transferredfrom the computer B to C. In 51C, a second packet of the scan data istransferred from the copying apparatus 1 to the computer A. Similarlyother packets are transferred in 51D and 51E, and a third packet of thescan data is transferred from the copying apparatus 1 to the computer Ain 51F, In this manner plural transmissions are executed in apparentlyparallel manner. Such operating mode allows to prevent the network 3from being occupied by a particular communication.

FIG. 8 does not show the case of collision of plural transmissions forthe purpose of simplicity, but the ordinary network protocol has amethod for copying with such situation.

Though not shown in FIG. 8, each packet contains information on thetransmitting source, the destination and the ordinal number of thepacket.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the copyingapparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. After thepower supply is turned on, a step S11 discriminates whether a keyrelating to the local copying has been depressed on the operation unit6. If depressed, a step S12 further discriminates whether the depressedkey is an area designation, a parameter key such as numeral keys 23, ora copy start key, and the sequence branches to a step S13, S14 or S15according to the result of discrimination. If the area designation keyis depressed, the sequence proceeds to a step S13 to effect areadesignation for local copying and designation of the process in thedesignated area according to a flow explained in FIG. 6, and thesequence then returns to the step S11. On the other hand, if a parameterkey such as the numeral keys 23 is depressed, the sequence proceeds to astep S14 to execute a process corresponding to the depressed key, andthe sequence then returns to the step S11. For example, if the numeralkeys 23 are depressed in a standard state of the local copying mode,such key depressions are regarded as an instruction for the number ofcopies, according to which the copy number is renewed. Also in case thecopy start key is depressed, the sequence proceeds to a step S15 toeffect a local copying operation with the area designation and theparameters set in this state.

On the other hand, if the step S11 identifies that the keys relating tolocal copying have not been depressed on the operation unit 6, a stepS16 discriminates whether a scan start key has been depressed. If notthe sequence returns to the step S11, but, if depressed, there isexecuted a reading operation of steps S17 to S20 in the use as theremote scanner, according to the flow shown in FIG. 5. At first a stepS17 effects designation of the area to be read, by means of thedigitizer 17. Then a step S18 effects input of parameters of the imagetype, file format, resolution, image size etc. as explained in the imageframes 32 to 34 in FIG. 5. Then, a step S19 designates the designationcomputer to which the read image data are to be transferred and thedirectory therein, as explained in the image frames 35 to 37 in FIG. 5.Then a step S20 instructs the start of reading operation in an imageframe 38 in FIG. 5 and reads and stores the image of the original on theoriginal table into the image memory 9. In this operation a parameter isset, according to the resolution designated in the image frame 34 inFIG. 5, in the enlargement/reduction circuit of the image process unit14, then the image reduction is executed by a hardware and the imagewith the converted resolution is stored in the image memory 9. Then astep S21 reads the image data from the image memory 9 and transfers theimage data to the directory of the computer designated in the imageframes 35 to 37 in FIG. 5, and the sequence then returns to the stepS11.

The image data are divided into plural packets as shown in FIG. 8, andare transmitted in discontinuous manner in the unit of a packet. In thereading of the image data from the image memory 9 and transmission tothe destination computer, the data are converted by a predeterminedsoftware so as to obtain the designated area, image type and fileformat.

As the image memory 9 is so constructed as to store the image data ofthe maximum original size, the transmission of a designated area isachieved by reading the image data of a necessary area only.

The image memory 9 stores the RGB data. Therefore, if the image type isRGB type, the image data are not particularly processed, but, in case ofblack-and-white multi-value image type, the image data are convertedaccording to an equation W=(R+G+B)/3. In case of the black-and-whitebinary image type, thus converted data are further binarized.

Also in case of the raw data file format, the image data are notparticularly processed but, in case of the TIFF or FICT file format, theheader information is added according to each format. Also in case ofthe JPEG or UNIX compression, the image data are compressed according torespective compression method and the compressed data area transferredto the destination number.

The present embodiment allows to effect various operations relating tothe copying apparatus 1 collectively in the copying apparatus 1 therebyreducing the frequency of the visits of the operator to the distantcomputers. Consequently various operations can be made smoother andeasier.

Second Embodiment

In the following there will be explained a second embodiment of thepresent invention, with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11.

The copying apparatus of the second embodiment of the present inventionis different from the first embodiment in the area designating means andthe method of transferring the image to the computer. Therefore thepresent embodiment will be explained in the following with emphasis onsuch differences, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively insteadof FIGS. 1 and 3 showing the first embodiment and further to FIG. 11.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus 1 constituting a secondembodiment of the present invention. It is firstly different from thefirst embodiment in that the area designating means is composed of animage display unit 61 and a mouse 62, instead of the digitizer 17. Inthe present embodiment, in the area designation in the process shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the process of area designation on the original placed onthe digitizer 17 is replaced by a process of placing the original in theordinary original reading position and depressing a preview key (notshown) on the operation unit 6, whereby the image read by the scannerunit 12 is stored in the image memory 9 through a path same as in thereading operation in the first embodiment. Then the data in the imagememory 9 are moved to and displayed on the image display unit 61 underthe control of the control unit 5. Subsequently the operator designatesan area on the image with the mouse 62, while watching the displayedimage. Such image display and area designation thereon are already wellknown in the technology of personal computer and will not, therefore, beexplained in detail.

A second difference from the first embodiment lies in a fact that, incontrast to the first embodiment where the image data are directlytransferred form the image memory 9 to the external equipment, thepresent embodiment is provided with a hard disk 7 and the image data areonce moved from the image memory 9 to the hard disk 7 and thentransferred therefrom to the external computer. Such configurationadditionally requires the hard disk 7 and the data transfer timethereto, but brings about an advantage that the image memory 9 can beused for other purposes after the data transfer to the hard disk 7, sothat the occupied time of the image memory 9 can be reduced. In thepresent embodiment, the image memory 9 is composed of dynamic RAM(DRAM). On the other hand, the hard disk is non-volatile and has a largecapacity, so that the cost per byte is lower. In general, the hard diskis not adequate for use as the image memory, because of the lower accessspeed. On the other hand, the DRAM is suitable for use as the imagememory, because of the higher access speed, but is disadvantageous inthe volatility that the stored content is lost when the power supply iscut off, and is a higher cost per byte. For these reasons, the volatileDRAM is used for the image memory requiring high speed and non-volatilehard disk is used for storing the data obtained by image reading andthose for printing. However the image memory 9 may be composed of ahigh-speed non-volatile memory if such memory becomes available in thefuture.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the main control sequence of the presentembodiment. At first a step S31 discriminates whether a reception listfor the remote printer is empty. The reception list for the remoteprinter holds the print request in case print data are transferred fromthe computer, and a non-empty list means that an unprocessed printrequest from the computer still remains.

The data to be printed are stored in the hard disk 7 as will beexplained later. If the step S31 identifies a non-empty state of thereception list, a step S32 transfers the print data from the hard disk 7to the image memory 9 and a step S33 executes a printing operation. Thena step S34 deletes the print request, for which the printing operationhas been completed, from the reception list and also deletes the printdata on the hard disk 7.

On the other hand, if the step S31 identifies an empty state of thereception list, the sequence proceeds to a step S35 to discriminatewhether the scan start key or the copy start key in the operation unit 6has been depressed, and, if not, the sequence returns to the step S31.If the copy start key has been depressed, a step S36 executes a localcopying operation as in the first embodiment. Though not shown in FIG.10, the area designation and the input of parameters for the copyingoperation are also conducted as in the first embodiment, with theoperation unit 6 or with the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62. Onthe other hand, if the step S35 identifies the depression of the scankey, the steps S37 to S40 are executed according to the process shown inFIG. 5, as in the first embodiment. The area designation in the step S37is executed with the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62, instead ofthe digitizer 17. The steps S38 to S40 are same as the steps S18 to S20of the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1. A step S41 reads the imagedata from the image memory 9 and stores the image data in the hard disk7, instead of the transmission to the computer. Then the name of thedestination is registered in a transmission list, which holds theinformation of the untransmitted scan data, as will be explained later.After the data transfer to the hard disk 7, the sequence returns to thestep S31.

Also in this embodiment, the conversion of the resolution is conducted,as in the first embodiment, by the hardware in the image process unit 14in the reading operation in the step S40. Also the area process, theimage type conversion and the file format conversion are executed by asoftware process, at the data transfer to the hard disk 7 in the stepS41.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing sub control routines in the presentembodiment. The control of the copying apparatus 1 proceeds in so-calledmulti-task mode, in which plural tasks are executed in apparentlyparallel manner. FIG. 10 shows the control sequence of a main task, buta transmission task and a reception task proceed in parallel manner asshown in FIG. 11. The transmission task executes the transmission of thescan data, read by the scanner.

At first a step S51 discriminates whether a transmission list is empty.If empty, indicating that there are no scan data to be transmitted, thesequence returns to the step S51. If not empty, a step S52 reds theimage data from the hard disk 7, divides the image data into pluralpackets and transmits these packets to the computer of the designateddestination. When the transmission is completed in normal manner, a stepS53 deletes the scan data from the transmission list, also deletes theimage data from the hard disk 7, and the sequence returns to the stepS51.

Though not shown in FIG. 11, if the transmission is unsuccessful, thedeletion from the list is not conducted, and the transmission isre-tried afterwards. In such case, the transmission is ranked at thelast of the transmission list, and the transmission is re-tried onlyafter the lapse of a predetermined time. When a destination computer isselected on the image frame 35 in FIG. 5 from the registered list, thepower supply of such destination computer may be turned off. However,owing to such retrying system, the operation can be repeated and thescan data can be transmitted as soon as the power supply of thedestination computer is turned on. Also the data can be transferredafterwards in case the destination computer is used for another purposeand busy. Furthermore, even if the destination computer has a lowreception rate, the data can be transferred from the hard disk 7 with alow rate in the background operation, and another reading, printing orcopying operation can be executed during such data transfer.

The reception task executes the reception of the print data.

At first a step S61 discriminates whether there is a reception requestfrom the computer, and, if not, the sequence returns to the step S61,but, if there is a reception request, a step S62 receives the print dataand stores the received data in the hard disk 7, and a step S63 makes anaddition to the reception list.

Such parallel proceeding of the main task for the printing, copying andreading operations, the transmission task for the transmission of thescan data and the reception task for the reception of the print dataallows to reduce the occupied time of the apparatus in each operation,such as by effecting the next reading, printing or copying operation inthe course of the transmission of the scan data or in the course ofreception of the print data, thereby enabling effective exploitation ofeach function and significantly improving the utilization rate of thesystem.

In the present embodiment, the operation unit 6 and the image displayunit 61 are constructed separately, but it is also possible to effectvarious operations with the image display unit 61 and the mouse 62. Suchconfiguration can realize a graphical user interface and significantlyimproves the operation characteristics. For example, the display of thelist shown in FIG. 5 may be achieved in a scrolled display, therebyeliminating the limitation on the number of displayable items. However,the configuration of the present embodiment has an advantage that theimage display unit 61 and the mouse 62 may be provided as optionalequipment.

In the foregoing first and second embodiments, the basic portions suchas the scanner unit and the printer unit and the additional portionssuch as the image memory are integrally constructed, but same advantagescan also be obtained in case the system is divided into an image readingapparatus and an image processing apparatus as in the third embodimentto be explained later.

Third Embodiment

In the following there will be explained a third embodiment of thepresent invention, with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15.

The present embodiment is different from the foregoing first embodimentonly in that the copying apparatus 1 is separated into a copyingapparatus 102 for reading the image and an image processing apparatus101, and in the image transfer method to the computer. Consequently thepresent embodiment will be explained in the following with emphasis onsuch differences, by referring to FIGS. 14, 12 and 13 instead of FIGS.1, 3 and 5, and also to FIG. 15.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus 1-2 and an imageprocessing apparatus 1-1, constituting a third embodiment of the presentinvention. This embodiment is different, firstly, from the firstembodiment in that the copying apparatus 1 therein is separated into thecopying apparatus 1-2 and the image processing apparatus 1-1. Thescanner unit 12, the printer unit 13, the digitizer 17 constituting thearea designation means, and the operation unit 6 are provided in thecopying apparatus 1-2. On the other hand, the image memory 73, the harddisk 7 and the external communication circuit 4 are provided in theimage processing apparatus. Such split configuration is based on a factthat the image memory 73, the hard disk 7 and the external communicationcircuit 4 are unnecessary and merely raise the cost in case the copyingapparatus 1-2 is used singly as a stand-alone equipment. By constructingthe copying apparatus 1-2 as explained in the foregoing, for the use asa stand-alone equipment and by adding the image processing apparatus 1-1when the copying apparatus 1-2 is used also as a scanner or a printer,it is rendered possible to achieve simplification of the configurationand cost reduction in case the copying apparatus is used singly, and toachieve easier supply of the merchandises matching the needs of theusers.

A second difference from the first embodiment lies in facts that theread image data 16 are stored in a FIFO (first-in-first-out) memory 71,from which the stored data are transferred by the control unit 5 to theimage memory 73, and that, in the printing operation, the control unit 5transfers the image data from the image memory 73 to the FIFO memory 71,from which the image data 11 are transferred to the copying apparatus1-2. The FIFO memory 71 has a capacity of one or several lines, and isso controlled that the data readout is conducted before the FIFO memory71 becomes full by the data write-in. Such configuration can be realizedwhen the processing speed of the CPU bus 8 is sufficiently higher thanthe transfer rate of the video image data 11, 16. With suchconfiguration, the image memory 73 can be constructed same as theordinary memory accessible by the CPU, without the necessity of datawrite-in/read-out in synchronization with the addresses generatedcorresponding to the image synchronization signals, so that thecircuitry can be simplified. Also the FIFO memory 71, not requiringaddresses, can be easily controlled.

As a third difference form the first embodiment, the third embodiment isprovided with a hard disk 7 as in the second embodiment and the data,read in the scanner, are transferred to such hard disk 7. Also in thisembodiment, the image memory 73 is composed of a volatile DRAM.

FIG. 13 shows the messages displayed on the liquid crystal display unit22 of the operation unit 6 in the copying apparatus 1-2, in the usethereof as a remote scanner. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 5 in the firstembodiment, and, in the following, the process in FIG. 13 will beexplained only in the points different from that in FIG. 5, as bothprocesses are mutually common in many aspects. In FIG. 13, image frames81 to 84 are same as the image frames 31 to 34 in FIG. 5 relating to thefirst embodiment. Image frames starting from 85 designate thesubdirectory and the file name, to be used for data storage, in the harddisk 7 of the image processing apparatus 1-1, instead of the destinationcomputer and its subdirectory. At first an image frame 85 is used forselecting a subdirectory of the hard disk 7 of the image processingapparatus 1-1. At first there is displayed a default directory, and,upon selection of another directory, the display moves to such selecteddirectory and the image frame 85 is displayed again. Upon selection of adirectory, the display shifts to an image frame 86 for entering a filename. In the present embodiment there are automatically displayedcertain candidate names among which the selection is made, but it isalso possible to provide a keyboard and to directly enter a file namewith such keyboard. Upon selecting LIST DISPLAY on the image frame 86,the display shifts to an image frame 87 showing a list of the imagefiles in the current directory and the selection can be made from suchlist. In such case, the already existing scan image is overwritten. Anext image frame 88 requests the last instruction whether or not toexecute the image reading. When the operator places the original on theunrepresented original table and selects the scanning operation, theimage reading operation is initiated and the image data of thedesignated area, file format, image size and resolution are transferredto the designated directory in the hard disk 7 of the image processingapparatus 1-1 with the designated file name, and the display thenreturns to the standard image frame.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the main control sequence of the presentembodiment. As it is similar to the control sequence of the foregoingsecond embodiment, there will be explained, in the following, only thedifferences from the flow shown in FIG. 10. Steps S71 to S80 are same asthe steps S31 to S40 of the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 10. A stepS81 effects transfer of the image data from the image memory to the harddisk 7 as in the second embodiment, but without registration in thetransmission list. Thus, after the data transfer to the hard disk 7, thesequence immediately returns to the step S71.

Also in the present embodiment, the conversion of resolution is executedby a hardware in the image process unit 14, at the reading operation inthe step S70. Also the area processing and the conversion of the imagetype and the file format are executed by a software at the data transferto the hard disk 7 in the step S71.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing sub control routines of the presentembodiment. As these routines are similar to those of the secondembodiment, there will only be explained the differences form those ofthe second embodiment shown in FIG. 11. In the transmission task in thesecond embodiment, after the original reading, there are automaticallyexecuted registration on the transmission list and the data transfer tothe computer, but, in the present embodiment, the data transfer to thecomputer is executed according to a request therefrom.

At first a step S91 discriminates whether there is a transmissionrequest for the scan data from the computer, and, if not, the sequencereturns to the step S91, but, if the request is present, a step S92transmits the requested scan data to the computer that has issued therequest. After the transmission, a step S93 deletes the image data fromthe hard disk 7.

In the reception task, steps S95 to S97 are same as the steps S61 to S63of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

By transferring the data to the hard disk 7 in the course of the readingoperation under the instruction from the operation unit 6, the imagememory 73 can be promptly liberated, so that there can be provided anadvantage similar to that in the second embodiment.

Also the data transfer to the computer in response to the instructiontherefrom provides an advantage that the image data can be fetched at aconvenient timing therefor.

In the present embodiment, the image reading apparatus 1-2 and the imageprocessing apparatus 1-1 are constructed separately, but they may alsobe constructed integrally as in the foregoing first and secondembodiments.

In the present embodiment, the area designation is conducted by thedigitizer 17 on the image frame 81 shown in FIG. 13, but it may also beachieved by an image display unit and a mouse as in the secondembodiment. Also in the present embodiment, the area designation isexecuted on the image frame 81 and the image reading operation isexecuted on the image frame 88, but it is also possible to invert thesequence to at first execute the image reading thereby storing the imagedata in the image memory 73, then to prepare display data from suchimage data and to effect the area designation under the observation ofthe displayed data. In such case, after the area designation, the imagedata corresponding to the designated area are stored in the hard disk 7.

Also in the present embodiment, the area, resolution, image type andformat are designated from the operation unit 6 of the copying apparatus1-1, but such designations may be wholly or partly given from the hostcomputer. For example it is also possible to store the RGB raw data of400 dpi of the maximum original size in a compressed form in the harddisk 7 under the instruction from the operation unit 6 and to send otherinstructions from the computer of the user, thereby effecting conversionto the area, resolution, image type and format designated in the copyingapparatus 1 and transfer to the host computer. Such operation modeprovides an advantage that the image need not be read again in case ofan alteration in the area, resolution, image type or format.

In the second and third embodiments, the image data are converted intothe designated area, resolution, image type and format prior to thestorage in the hard disk 7, but it is also possible to store the data inanother form in the hard disk and to effect such conversion at the datatransfer to the computer. For example the data may be stored in the harddisk 7 with a resolution of 400 dpi and converted to another resolutionat the transfer to the computer, and such operation mode provides anadvantage that the image need not be read again in case of an alterationin the resolution. It is furthermore possible to store the data in thehard disk 7 in a compressed form and to convert the data into thedesignated format at the transfer to the computer, and such operationmode provides an advantage that the file capacity required for storagein the hard disk 7 can be reduced.

Also in the second and third embodiments, the image data areautomatically deleted after the data transfer to the computer, but suchdata deletion may be dispensed with. It is also possible to effect suchdeletion after the lapse of a predetermined time, or from the oldestimage in case the number of the read image exceeds a predeterminednumber, or by a manual instruction.

Also in the second and third embodiments, there is formed a read imageon the hard disk 7, but it is also possible to automatically form pluralread images thereon. For example it is also possible to form an image ofa higher resolution and an image of a lower resolution from an image andto transfer the image of lower resolution. In this case the computer isenabled to effect image editing by the image of lower resolution and tofetch the image of higher resolution for replacing the image of lowerresolution, if necessary.

In the foregoing first, second and third embodiments, the conversion ofresolution is executed by a hardware and the conversion of image typeand file format is executed by a software, but it is also possible toeffect the conversion of resolution by a software and/or to effect theconversion of image type and file format by a hardware. Also in thethird embodiment, the conversion of resolution is executed in thecopying apparatus 1-2 while the conversion of image type and file formatis executed in the image processing apparatus 1-1, but these operationsmay be mutually exchanged.

Also in the first, second and third embodiments, the image memory is soconstructed as to store the RGB data of the image of the maximumoriginal size, obtained after the conversion of resolution, but it mayalso be so constructed as to store the data of the designated area only,or to store the data without conversion of resolution and to effect suchconversion afterwards by a software. It is furthermore possible toconvert the image type by a hardware and to store the image datacorresponding to the designated image type.

Also in the first, second and third embodiments, there has beenexplained a system consisting of an image reading apparatus andcomputers mutually connected with a local area network, but such systemmay be applied also to a wire area network, for example connecting thebranch stores located within Japan. In such case it becomes possible todirectly send that from the scanner of a branch A to the computer of abranch B.

Also in the first, second and third embodiments there has been explainedthe case of sending the scanned image data to a computer connected by anetwork, but such embodiments may also be applied to a configuration forsending the data to one of plural printers connected by the network.

In the first, second and third embodiments, explanation has been givento the scanner and the printer, but there may also be employed otherimage input/output devices such as a film reader or a film recorder. Theeffect of the present invention is significant particularly in case ofthe film reader, because it requires various processes in the readingdevice, such as film setting, designation of the film type etc. Alsothere is known a product capable of achieving a film scanner function byattaching a film projector to the copying apparatus, and the effect ofthe present invention is even larger in such product since the filmprojector has to be set on the reading apparatus.

Fourth Embodiment

In the following there will be explained an embodiment provided with aserver machine for managing the users and the data on the LAN.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus constituting afourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16 there are shown aCPU 101 constituting a system control unit for controlling the entireapparatus; a ROM 102 storing control programs for the CPU 101; a ROM 103composed for example of a SRAM storing variables for program control andalso serving for storage of the set values registered by the operatorand the management data of the apparatus and also for work memories; animage memory 104 composed for example of a DRAM and serving to store theimage data; and a resolution conversion unit 105 for controlling theconversion of resolution, such as millimeter-inch conversion of theraster data.

There are further provided a communication encoding/decoding unit 106adapted, in case the encoding method for the image reading is differentfrom that for the transmission, to effect encoding for communication andto decode the received encoded data into data for recording; areading/recording encoding/decoding unit 107 for encoding and decodingthe image data at the image reading and at the recording; a MODEM 108for effecting modulation and demodulation of the signal to betransmitted or received in the facsimile communication; an NCU 109 forsending a selection signal (dialing pulses or tone dialer) to a wiredcommunication line 120 through a wired line interface 117 or to awireless communication line 121 through a wireless line interface 118,and also for effecting automatic call reception by detecting a calltone; and a wired/wireless line control unit 119 for controlling thewired line interface 117 and the wireless line interface 118.

There are further provided a scanner 111 composed of an image sensor, anoriginal transport mechanism etc. and adapted to optically read theoriginal in the unit of a line to provide electrical image data; and animage process unit 110 for effecting correction on the image data,obtained in the scanner 111, to provide high-quality image data.

An operation unit 112 is composed for example of a keyboard and is usedfor various input operations by the operator. An external display unit113 is composed for example of an LCD or LED's and displays variousinformation for the user.

A printer formatter 114 servers, in printing the file data for examplefrom a work station, to analyze the code data such as the printerdescription language for conversion into the image data. A printer 115visibly records the received image or the file data on the recordingsheet.

A wired LAN interface 122 and a wireless LAN interface 123 respectivelyconnect the present facsimile apparatus to a wired LAN 125 and awireless LAN 126, and-are controlled by a wired/wireless LAN controlunit 124. A LAN control unit 116 executes data processing for dataexchange with a server or with terminals on the wired LAN 125 or thewireless LAN 126.

A LAN information memory 127 stores information on the user or theclient on the LAN (wired LAN 125 and wireless LAN 126). Theabove-mentioned information is displayed on the external display unit113 by the operation of the operation unit 112 and is selected by theoperator. The operation unit 112 includes address selection means on theLAN.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the form of connection of thefacsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 16. 201 indicates a facsimileapparatus shown in FIG. 1, directly connectable with the wired LAN 125and the wireless LAN 126.

A server machine 202 is provided in the wired LAN 125 and the wirelessLAN 126 (hereinafter collectively called LAN) to which theabove-mentioned facsimile apparatus is connected, and manages the filesand protocols on the LAN. Also the process and the data for usermanagement on the LAN are provided on the server machine 202. Besidesthe server machine 202 is provided with a large memory capacity.

There are further shown client machines (information processingterminals 203, 204 connected to the wired LAN 125; a printer server 205for receiving a print request from the client machine and effectingoutput control to the printer; a printer 206 for printing the imagedata; a client machine 207 connected to the wireless LAN 126; afacsimile apparatus 208 for effecting communication with the facsimileapparatus 201 through a wired communication line 120; and a PSTN (publicswitched telephone network) 210 to which the facsimile apparatus 201,208 and a wireless station 209 are connected through the wiredcommunication line 120.

The wireless LAN 126 is composed of facsimile apparatus and clientmachines respectively provided with wireless LAN interfaces.

A wireless communication line 121 connects the facsimile apparatus 201and the wireless station 209 through a wireless line interface 118.

FIG. 18 shows the content of the user/client management informationstored in the LAN information memory 127. This information is receivedthrough the communication with the server machine 202 and stored.

The user information contains the information on the users, permitted onthe LAN. More specifically, for each user, there are managed a user nameand a host name logged in by the user. Both the user name and thelogged-in host name are text data readable by the CPU 101.

The client information contains the information on the client machinesconnected to the LAN. For each client, there are managed a host addressof the client machine on the network and the status of the clientmachine. The host address is for example 123, 456, 789 or 001 in theTCP/IP protocol, and the host status is for example “connected” or“non-connected”.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of an originalimage scanning process in the fourth embodiment, corresponding to theoperations executed by the CPU 101 according to a program stored in theROM 102.

In the scanning process for reading an image to be transferred to a useron the LAN, there is at first detected the depression of a scanning keyin the operation unit 112 (different from the instruction for ordinarycopying or for reading the original for facsimile transmission) (stepS101). After the detection of depression of the scanning key, there isdiscriminated whether the user information is stored in the LANinformation memory 127 (step S102). If not, the sequence is terminatedby an error. If stored, the user name of the user information stored atthe top of the LAN information memory 127 is displayed on the externaldisplay unit 113 (step S103), and there are detected the depression ofthe scroll key and the fix key in the operation unit 112 (steps S104,S105). If the scroll key is depressed, there is discriminated whetheruser information is stored next to the displayed user information (stepS110), and, if stored, such next user information is displayed (stepS103). If there is not next user information, no operation is conducted.If the fix key is depressed, the currently displayed user information isfixed (step S106). Then, after the setting of necessary information suchas a reception number and a time in the LAN information memory 127 (stepS107), the original image reading is started by the scanner 111. Afteror simultaneous with the original reading, the read image data arestored in the image memory 104, in correspondence with the user name onthe LAN, for use by the user fixed in the step S106. Also there is addedinformation indicating the scanner 111 used for image reading (stepS109). Subsequently the image data are transferred to an area,corresponding to the above-mentioned user name, in the memory managed bythe server machine.202 of the LAN. Thus the logged-in user is informedof the presence of such data, and can obtained the data from the servermachine 202, utilizing the client machine. It is also possible totransfer the image data from the image memory 104 to the memory of theclient machine, utilizing the client name.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the method of acquiring the informationon the user on the LAN.

At first there is monitored the lapse of a predetermined time from theprevious acquisition of the user information (step S111). After thelapse of the predetermined time, a request is sent, for acquiring theinformation on the user on the LAN, to the server machine 202 and therequested information is obtained (step S112). The obtained informationis stored in the LAN information memory 127 to renew the data storedtherein. The user information may be obtained in classifications such asthe information on all the users, new users, deleted users, alteredusers etc. After the acquisition of the information, the acquisitiontime of the user information is renewed (step S113).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing another example of the method foracquiring the information on the user on the LAN.

At first, in response to the detection of the depression of the scanningkey, instructing the start of scanning operation, as explained in theforegoing (step S121), a request for the user information is sent to theuser information managing processor of the server machine on the LAN,and the requested user information is received and stored in the LANinformation memory 127 to renew the data stored therein (step S122).Subsequent steps S123 to S130 are same as the steps S103 to S110explained in the foregoing and will not, therefore, be explainedfurther.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing still another example of the method foracquiring the information on the user on the LAN.

At first there is detected the depression of the scanning key (stepS131) as explained in the foregoing. After the detection of keydepression, there is discriminated whether user information is stored inthe LAN information memory 127 (step S132). If not, a request for theuser information is sent to the user information managing process of theserver machine 202 on the LAN and the requested information is obtained(step S143). The received user information is stored in the LANinformation memory 127 to renew the data stored therein (step S144).Then an alarm and display, indicating an error, are given (step S145)and the sequence is terminated by an error.

On the other hand, if the user information is stored, the userinformation stored at the top is displayed (step S133), and there isdiscriminated the depression of the scroll key and the fix key (stepsS134, S135). If the scroll key is depressed, there is discriminatedwhether user information is stored next to the displayed userinformation (step S142), and, if there is such next user information, itis displayed (step S133). If there is no next user information, nooperation is conducted. If the fix key is depressed, the currentlydisplayed user information is fixed (step S136). With thus fixed userinformation, there is requested the reference of the user information tothe user information managing process of the server machine 202 on theLAN to check the content (step S137). If the content is proper andcoincides with the latest user management information (step S138), thereis set necessary information such as a reception number and a time inthe LAN information memory 127 (step S139), and the original readingoperation is started with the scanner 111 (step S140). On the otherhand, if the data do not coincide, the user information in the LANinformation memory 127 is renewed according to the user informationreferred to in the step S137 (step S144). After or simultaneous with theoriginal image reading operation, the read image data are stored in theimage memory 104 in correspondence with the user name on the LAN, forthe user fixed in the step S136 (S141). Subsequently the image data aretransferred as a file to a memory area, corresponding to each user,managed by the server machine 202 of the LAN. The image data may bedirectly transferred to the memory of the client machine. Also the username may be replaced by the host name of the client machine. Thetransfer of the image data is always executed in relation to the username or the host name of the client machine. Also there is addedinformation indicating the scanner 111 used for image reading.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the method for renewing the userinformation in the LAN information memory 127 of the facsimile apparatus201, by the user information management processor of the server machine202 on the LAN.

When a renewal operation of the user information, such as addition,alteration or delation, is conducted (step S151), there is executed adownloading of the user data, for informing the facsimile apparatus 201of the latest user information (step S152). The facsimile apparatus 201stores the received data in the LAN information memory 127, and executesverification whether the data in the LAN information memory 127 coincidewith the data of the management processor of the server machine 202(step S153). In this manner the user information stored in the facsimileapparatus 201 can be maintained same as that on the LAN.

As explained in the foregoing, the present embodiment allows todesignate the start of the original reading operation and the user onthe LAN, to which the read image data are to be transferred, from theoperation unit 112 of the facsimile apparatus 201, thereby eliminatingthe necessity of visiting the facsimile apparatus and the destinationclient machine repeatedly and thus significantly improving the operationcharacteristics. Also, since the read image data are correlated with theuser name or the client machine of the destination, it is renderedpossible to avoid undesired sojourn of the data within the networkbecause of the unidentified destination. Furthermore, since the readimage data are once stored in the image memory 104 in correlation withthe user name or the client machine of the destination, the facsimileapparatus 201 can be prevented from being occupied for a prolonged time,resulting from repeated reading operations in case the destinationclient machine is incapable of reception for some reason. Furthermore,since the user information in the LAN information memory 127 isappropriately renewed, there can be prevented erroneous operations suchas data transfer to a non-existing user. Also, since the data areassociated with information indicating that the data are read with thescanner 111, the data can be easily distinguished from the data offacsimile reception.

Fifth Embodiment

The following embodiment is to perform various processing by using adigital copy machine.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a schematic construction of a digitalcopy machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 24, reference numeral 300 denotes a copy machine (main body).The copy machine 300 consists of a central processing unit (CPU) 301, aread-only memory (ROM) 302, a random-access memory (RAM) 303, a PC cardinterface 304 for connecting a PC card, a detachable PC card 305, afloppy disk drive interface (FDD I/F) 306, a floppy disk drive (FDD)307, a liquid crystal display (LCD) controller 308, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) 309, a key input interface 310, a touch panel 311, anoperation key 312, an image memory 313, a scanner interface 314, ascanner 315, a printer interface 316, a printer 317, an externalinterface 318, a floppy disk (FD) 319, and an infrared ray sensor 320.The CPU 301 controls the apparatus as a whole in accordance withprograms stored in the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the PC card 305 and thelike. The ROM 302 constantly stores an execution program used for thecontrol by the CPU 301 and various parameters, and consists of, e.g., aflash ROM or the like. If it is necessary to update the program or thelike stored in the ROM 302, the ROM 302 can easily be updated at anytime by writing thereinto updated data obtained from the mounted PC card305, the floppy disk 319 or an external host computer via the externalinterface 318. The RAM 303 temporarily stores the program and datanecessary for executing the program. The PC card interface 304 acts asan interface to be used for accessing the detachable PC card 305 fromthe CPU 301. The floppy disk drive interface 306 can read data stored inthe floppy disk 319 inserted into the floppy disk drive 307 and newlywrite data into the floppy disk 319, by driving the floppy disk drive307. The LCD controller 308 displays a character, a drawing and the likeon the LCD 309, by receiving from the CPU 301 the data to be displayed.The touch panel 3.11 which is a pressure-sensitive transparent switch ismounted on the LCD 309 to detect a depression operation by a user. Thekey input interface 310 is used to read states of the touch panel 311and the operation key 312. By combining the LCD 309 and the touch panel311 with each other, an operation image plane can appropriately bechanged according to various situations, whereby an operation unit or aconsole unit which is easy to be used by the user can be provided. Theimage memory 313 stores image data to be input/output by the scanner 315and the printer 317. The scanner 315 and the printer 317 manage acommand and the image data via the scanner interface 314 and the printerinterface 316, respectively. The scanner 315 reads an original image byscanning an original placed on an original support plate. The printer317 prints out the image data which is received via the externalinterface 318. Further, the printer 317 prints out the image read by thescanner 315, thereby copying the original. The external interface 318 isan interface to be used for communicating to one or plural computers,e.g., a personal computer, a work station and/or the like, which areplaced outside the copy machine 300. The infrared ray sensor 320 is asensor to be used for detecting whether or not an operator stands nearbythe operation unit (the LCD 309, the touch panel 311 and the operationkey 312) of the copy machine 300.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the configuration in a case where the copymachine 300 in FIG. 24 is connected to a local area network (LAN). Thecopy machine 300 can act as a well-known digital copy machine such as alocal copier and further send/receive the data to/from other devices inthe LAN.

In FIG. 25, reference numeral 401 denotes a LAN which forms a network towhich a plurality of computers, copy machines, facsimile machines,scanners, printers and the like are connected and in which data sendingand receiving are performed among these devices.

Reference numerals 402, 403 and 404 denote personal computers which areconnected to the LAN 401. However, computers which can be connected tothe LAN 401 are not-limited to these three computers 402, 403 and 404,but various computers can also be connected to the LAN 401.

A process in case of accessing the external computer from the copymachine 300 will then be explained on the basis of a flow chart shown inFIG. 26. This flow chart is executed based on a program stored in theROM 302. However, this flow chart can also be executed based on aprogram which is read from the PC card 305 or the floppy disk 319, or issent via the external interface 318. It should be noted that the copymachine 300 has a slave mode and a master mode. In the slave mode, thecopy machine 300 operates based on an instruction from the externalcomputer. In the master mode, the computer is accessed from theoperation key 312 of the copy machine 300, so that the copy machine 300prints out a file stored in the computer by using the printer 317, andtransfers data read by the scanner 315 to the computer.

Further, in the slave mode, the printer 317 is operated in response to aprint order from the external computer to print out image data sent fromthe external computer, and the scanner 315 is operated in response to ascan start order for reading operation sent from the computer to read animage of an original and then to transfer the read image data to thecomputer. On the other hand, in the master mode, the copy machine 300specifies or accesses the computer by depressing a remote key of theoperation key 312 and then starts a process. This process will beexplained in detail, hereinafter.

In FIG. 26, when the remote key is depressed in a step S301, it isjudged in a step S302 whether or not another process is being performed.If the another process is being performed, the flow advances to a stepS303. In the step S303, the LCD 309 displays that the another process isbeing performed, to notify the operator that, in such a state, adifferent process in the master mode cannot start. Then, in a step S304,it is displayed to inquire the operator whether or not the remote keydepression should be cancelled. If a cancel is selected by the touchpanel 311, the display state of the LCD 309 returns to an initial state.If the cancel is not selected, in a step S305, a stand-by state startsand is maintained until the another process presently performedterminates. When it is judged that the presently-performed anotherprocess terminates (in this case an alarm sound is generated), or if itis judged in the step S302 that the another process is not beingperformed, the displaying of the LCD 309 that the another process isbeing performed or the displaying of the LCD 309 indicating the initialstate is switched to the displaying shown in FIG. 27, in order to setthe master mode in a step S306.

In FIG. 27, a print button 501 is used for performing a print process inthe master mode, a scan button 502 is used for performing a scan processin the master mode, a control button 503 is used for performing a remotecontrol process of the computer, and a cancel button 504 is used forcancelling the process in the master mode. By depressing respectivepositions at which the buttons are displayed on the LCD 309, coordinatesof pixels on the touch panel 311 are detected, and then it is judged bythe CPU 301 via the key interface 310 which position of the button isdepressed.

If it is judged in a step S307 that the print button is depressed, theflow advances to a step S308 to perform the print process in the mastermode. If it is judged in a step S309 that the scan button 502 isdepressed, the flow advances to a step S310 to perform the scan processin the master mode. If it is judged in a step S311 that the controlbutton 503 is depressed, the flow advances to a step S312 to perform theremote control process of the computer. If it is judged in a step S313that the cancel button 504 is depressed, the master mode is cancelledand the displaying of the LCD 309 returns to the initial state.

Then, the process in a case where the print button 501 is depressed inthe step S307 of FIG. 26 will be explained hereinafter on the basis ofthe flow charts shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

When the print button 501 is depressed in the step S307 of FIG. 26, thedisplaying of the LCD 309 is changed to that shown in FIG. 30.

In FIG. 30, a list 701 shows a list of the computers connected to theLAN 401, a connection button 702 is used to start an access to thecomputer, a cancel button 703 is used to cancel the print process, apassword display column 704 shows an input password, a character palette705 is used to input a character and the like, a tab 706 is used todisplay all of the accessible computers, a tab 707 is used to displaythe computer which has most-recently been accessed, a tab 708 is used todisplay the computers which had previously been accessed, in the orderof name (i.e., in the order of smaller code number), and a tab 709 isused to display the computers which are frequently or often accessed.

When the print button 501 is depressed in the step S307 of FIG. 26, theCPU 301 forms the list of registered names of the computers accessibleby inquiring a predetermined computer (e.g., a server or the like)connected to the LAN 401 via the external interface 318, and thendisplays as the list 701 of FIG. 30 in a step S501. This displayingcorresponds to a state where the tab 707 for displaying all ofaccessible host computers is being selected. Then, in a step S502, theposition at which the desired computer is displayed in the list 701 isdepressed to select the desired computer. In this case, a name of theselected computer (“ABC” in FIG. 30) is inverse displayed. Then, in astep S503, a password corresponding to the computer selected in the stepS502 is input by means of a character list of the character palette 705.The input password is displayed on the password display column 704 in aform of invisible character (or turned letter), so that an inputoperation can be confirmed. If an erroneous character is input wheninputting the password, the input erroneous character can be deleted inunit of character by depressing a deletion key included in the characterpalette 705. In the above operation, the order of computer selection andpassword input may arbitrarily set.

When both the computer selection and the password input terminate, in astep S504, the CPU 301 communicates with the selected computer on thebasis of a network address in the LAN 401 by depressing the connectionbutton 702, to confirm the password. Then, it is judged in a step S505whether or not the input password coincides with a registered password,i.e., whether or not the input password is correct or not. If it isjudged in the step S505 that the input password is correct, the selectedcomputer can be accessed and the connection is established. Thereafter,the flow advances to a step S507. On the other hand, if the inputpassword does not coincide with the registered password whereby it isjudged that the input password is not correct, an error display isperformed in a step S506, and the flow returns to the step S501. If theconnection is established, information relating to the computer to whichthe connection is established is stored in a certain area, in the stepS507. That is, the information relating to a name of the connectedcomputer, a time when the access is performed, the number ofpreviously-accessed times and the like is stored. Preferably, a storagemedia to which the information is stored is the RAM 303. However, apartial area of the ROM 302, the PC card 305 or the floppy disk 319 canalso be used as the storage media.

As mentioned above, it has been explained the case where a destinationto which the connection is performed is selected from among all of theconnectable computers. However, it will be explained hereinafter a casewhere the destination to be connected is selected from among thecomputers to which the connection had previously been performed.

In the present embodiment, a display mode of the computer is changed byselecting the tabs 706, 707, 708 and 709 in accordance with a flow shownin FIG. 37. That is, if the tab 706 showing all of the accessiblecomputers is being selected in a step S1401, the computers connected viathe external interface 318 are searched in a step S1402, and then thelist of the accessible computers is formed and displayed in a stepS1408. If the tab 707 showing the most recently-accessed computer isbeing selected in a step S1403, the information relating to thepreviously-accessed computers is searched so that the computers aresequentially listed in the most recently-accessed order in a step S1404.Then, the formed list is displayed in the step S1408. If the tab 708showing the previously-accessed computers (or showing the computerswhich have previously-accessed experience) in the order of name is beingselected in a step S1405, it is formed in a step S1406 the list in whichnames of the previously-accessed computers are arranged in the order ofname (i.e., the order of code), and then the formed list is displayed inthe step S1408. If the tab 709 showing the frequently-accessed oroften-accessed computers is being selected, it is formed in a step S1407the list in which the previously-accessed computers are listed in theorder of higher frequency, and then the formed list is displayed in thestep S1408. According to the above operation, from among all of theaccessible computers or the previously-accessed computers, the computerlists can be shown under a desired condition on the basis of a user'sinstruction and then the user can select the desired computer.

When the selected computer is accessed according to the above procedureto establish the connection, the displaying of the LCD 309 is changed tothat shown in FIG. 31.

In FIG. 31, a list 801 shows files which are managed by the selectedcomputer, a preview button 802 is used to display an image of theselected file, a print button 803 is used to print out the image of theselected file, and a cancel button 804 is used to return a present imageplane to the image plane used for computer selection shown in FIG. 30.

In a step S508 of FIG. 28, the file list is displayed as shown in thelist 801 of FIG. 31. If the list does not exist in a directory includingan objective file, the directory can be shifted by selecting asub-directory (marked as “. . ” in FIG. 31) or an upper directory(marked as “↑” in FIG. 31).

When a position of the desired file in the file list is depressed in astep S509, a name of the depressed file is reverse displayed and thefile is selected. When the file is selected, it is judged in a step S510whether or not the preview button 802 is depressed. When depressed, in astep S511, the accessed computer is instructed to discriminate anapplication software which is used to form that file, on the basis ofthe selected file name. Further, in a step S512, the discriminatedapplication software starts, and the data in the selected file is readout as bit map data. Then, in a step S513, the image data in thebit-mapped desired file is transferred, and the transferred image datais displayed on the LCD 309 in a step S514. In this case, an upperportion of first page is initially displayed, then a following portionsare sequentially displayed in response to operations of a scroll key, anext page key, an entire display key (i.e., used for displaying acompressed one page) and the like (not shown). When the displayingterminates in a step S515, the flow waits for a next key input. When acancel key (not shown) is depressed in a step S516, the flow returns tothe step S508 to display the file list. If the cancel key is notdepressed, the flow again waits for the depression of any one of thepreview button 802, the print button 803 and the cancel button 804.Then, if it is judged in a step S601 that the print button is depressed,high-resolution image data for printing the selected file is transferredin steps S603 to S605 according to the same procedure as that shown inthe steps S511 to S513. The transferred image data is printed out by theprinter 317 in a step S606. It should be noted that the image datatransferred in the step S513 or S605 is resolution converted ifnecessary.

On the other hand, if it is judged in the step S602 that the cancelbutton 804 is depressed, the flow returns to the step S501 to displaythe computer list.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an execution sequence at a computer sideon the LAN 401. This execution sequence relates to the file transferringbased on the instructions from the copy machine 300 in the steps S501 toS513 and the steps S603 to S605. If there are the instructions as in thesteps S511 and S603, it is checked in a step S901 which applicationsoftware is used to form the designated file, by referring the file heldat the computer side and a data base corresponding to the applicationsoftware used for forming the held file. Then, in a step S902, if theapplication software does not yet start the application software startsto read the designated file. Thereafter, in a step S903, the displayedimage plane, e.g., window contents of a word processor, is obtained togenerate data for the printing, and the generated data is transferred tothe copy machine 300.

According to the above operation, a copy machine 300 side can obtaindata of the image plane relating to the file contents displayed on thecomputer. Thus, even if the computer side has the file of any form, thecopy machine 300 side receives the bit-mapped data, whereby thedisplaying and the printing of the received data can be performed at thecopy machine 300 side.

It will be explained hereinafter a case where the user explicitlyreleases the accessing.

As explained above, since the operation can be returned to theone-previous operation by depressing the cancel button in each operationimage plane, it is possible as one method to release the accessing byrepeating the same operation. On the other hand, in the presentinvention, there is provided as the other (more easy) method a key forreleasing the accessing.

FIG. 38 is a view showing an outer configuration of a console unit(including the LCD 309, the touch panel 311 and the operation key 312)of the copy machine 300 of the present invention. In FIG. 38, referencenumeral 1501 denotes a display unit consisting of the LCD 309 and thetouch panel 311, reference numeral 1502 denotes a reset key, referencenumeral 1503 denotes a remote key (previously explained), referencenumeral 1504 denotes a preheat key, reference numeral 1505 denotes astart key, reference numeral 1506 denotes a ten key and referencenumeral 1507 denotes a stop key. It should be noted that these keys arehard keys which together construct the operation key 312. Each of theremote key 1503 and the preheat key 1504 has, at its upper portion, anLED display unit to show a presently-set operation mode.

The display unit 1501 displays an operation panel for the user inaccordance with the above-mentioned various cases, to accept the user'skey input. The reset key 1502 is a key which is used to return all ofthe presently-set various setting states to the initial setting state.

In the state where the computer is being accessed via the externalinterface 318 by depressing the remote key 1503, the CPU 301 turns on anLED of the remote key 1503. Therefore, the user can easily recognizethat a computer access mode is being set. In the computer access mode,if the user wishes to release the accessing, he can obtain the sameeffect by using several keys in addition to the sequential depressing ofthe cancel key. That is, when the reset key 1502 is depressed, it ismeant by this depressing that the user indicates to return the settingmode to the initial state. Therefore, the CPU 301 terminates thecommunication with the computer and returns the display unit 1501 to theinitial image plane. When the preheat key 1504 is depressed, the copymachine 300 turns off a main power source to come to be in a preheatmode. In the preheat mode, to hold the computer accessing ismeaningless, so that the accessing is similarly released and then thecopy machine 300 comes to be in the preheat mode. When the remote key1503 is again depressed in a state where the LED of the remote key 1503is being turned on, it is meant by this depressing that the userindicates to access an other new computer. Therefore, the CPU 301releases the accessing for the computer presently accessed.

As explained above, since the accessing can directly be released basedon the instruction from the operation key 312, the user can immediatelyrelease the accessing if necessary.

Then, in a case where a standby state of the copy machine 300 continuesfor a predetermined period of time because the user does not operate thecopy machine 300 for a long period of time, i.e., in a case where asetting mode reset timer or a preheat timer operates, if it ismaintained the state that the computer is being accessed, the CPU 301releases the accessing without any instruction by the user and operatesto come to be in a mode reset state or in the preheat mode.

Further, when the infrared ray sensor 320 detects that the user does notstand nearby the copy machine 300 and the copy machine 300 is in thestandby state for the predetermined period of time after terminating thedesignated operation, the present accessing is released and the copymachine 300 comes to be in the standby state in order to prevent asituation that a next user directly accesses the computer.

The above-explained various methods for releasing the accessing are alsoeffective in a case where an operation explained below is beingperformed.

It will be explained hereinafter a flow of processing in case ofdepressing the scan button 502 in the step S309 of FIG. 26, on the basisof the flow chart shown in FIG. 33.

When the scan button 502 is depressed in the step S309 of FIG. 26, thedisplaying of the LCD 309 is changed or switched to that shown in FIG.30.

In the processing, a procedure for accessing the computer shown in stepsS1001 to S1005 is the same as that shown in the previously-explainedsteps S501 to S505, so that the detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

When the connection with the computer is established by selecting andaccessing the computer, same as in the step S507, information concerningthe computer to which the connection is established is stored in a stepS1007. Then, the flow advances to a step S1008 to switch the displayingof the LCD 309 to that shown in FIG. 34.

In FIG. 34, reference numeral 1101 denotes a preview frame fordisplaying an image of a read original, reference numeral 1102 denotes alist of directories managed by the accessed computer, reference numeral1103 denotes a scan button which is used for transferring read imagedata to the accessed computer, reference numeral 1104 denotes a previewbutton which is used for displaying the read image in the preview frame,reference numeral 1105 denotes a cancel button which is used forreturning the image plane to that shown in FIG. 30 which is used toselect the computer, reference numeral 1106 denotes a file name displayframe for displaying an input file name, and reference numeral 1107denotes a character palette which is used for inputting a character andthe like.

When the original is placed on the original support plate and thepreview button 1104 is depressed in the step S1008, the original placedon the original support plate is read by the scanner 315 in a stepS1009. Then, read image data is stored in the image memory 313 in a stepS1010 and is displayed on the preview frame 1101 in a step S1011. In astep S1012, if necessary, two points on the preview frame 1101 aredesignated for trimming a rectangular area of which diagonal line isdefined by the designated two points. In this case, address informationof the designated or selected area is stored in the RAM 303. In a stepS1013, the directory in which the read image data is to be stored isselected by depressing its position in the directory list 1102.Subsequently, the file name used for storing the read image data intothe computer is selected from the character palette 1107. The file nameinput from the character palette 1107 is displayed on the file namedisplay frame 1106 to be able to be confirmed by the user. After thesedesignations and selections terminate, when the scan button 1103 isdepressed in a step S1014, the area of the read image data selected inthe step S1012 is read from the image memory 313 on the basis of thestored address information, and the read area as well as the input filename is transferred to the accessed computer and stored in the selecteddirectory within a memory of the computer in steps S1015 and S1016.

It will be explained hereinafter a case where the control button 503 isdepressed in the step S311 of FIG. 26.

When the control button 503 is depressed in the step S311 of FIG. 26,the operation image plane of the LCD 309 is changed or switched to theimage plane which is used for selecting the computer shown in FIG. 30.The method for selecting the computer is the same as that in theselection operation already explained in the steps S501 to S505 and thesteps S1001 to S1005, whereby the detailed explanation thereof isomitted.

After the connection is established with the computer by the abovemethod, the LCD 309 switches its displayed image plane to that shown inFIG. 35. In FIG. 35, reference numeral 1201 denotes a computer imageplane display frame, reference numeral 1202 denotes an image on thecomputer, reference numeral 1203 denotes an enlargement icon, referencenumeral 1204 denotes a reduction icon, reference numeral 1205 denotes amouse crick icon, reference numeral 1206 denotes an image plane scrollcursor icon, reference numeral 1207 denotes a character palette used forinputting a character, and reference numeral 1208 denotes a cancelbutton used for returning the image plane to that shown in FIG. 30.

In FIG. 35, the contents same as those of the image displayed on theimage plane of the connected computer are displayed on the computerimage plane display frame 1202. However, since a size of the displaydevice of the computer is generally larger than a size of the displaydevice of the copy machine 300, the image to be displayed on thecomputer image plane display frame 1201 is limited to a part of theimage originally displayed by the computer. In order to display otherparts which are not essentially displayed on the computer image planedisplay frame 1201, the user may shift such the not-displayed parts tobe within the frame with scrolling the image by the depressing of theimage scroll icon 1206. If the user wishes to see the entire image, hemay depress the reduction icon 1204 to perform the reduced displaying ofthe image. Further, if the user wishes to see the detailed portion ofthe image, he may depress the enlargement icon 1203.to perform theenlarged displaying of the image. In order to use from the copy machine300 side a pointing device such as a mouse or the like at the computerside, a mouse cursor position can be indicated from the image inputdevice by depressing the inside portion of the computer image planedisplay frame 1201, and also a mouse crick can be input by using themouse crick icon 1205. If it is necessary to input the character on thecomputer, such the character can be input from the character palette1207. All of these operations which are to change the displaying of theimages and perform the character inputs are performed by the CPU 308.That is, the CPU 308 detects the user's operations for the touch panel311 on the LCD 309 and judges the user's objective operation on thebasis of the coordinate values on the touch panel 311.

In a software construction at the computer side, as shown in FIG. 36,there is an interface program for the copy machine 300 between anoperating system (OS) and an application program. In a case where theapplication program transfers the image data to be drawn on the imageplane to the OS, the interface program has a function to transfer thesame image data to the copy machine 300, and also has a function toinput the input operations such as the mouse input and the key input tothe application program as well as an event input from the OS.

When the copy machine 300 side receives the image displayed on thecomputer, the copy machine 300 zooms the received image at apredetermined magnification such that the image can be displayed at asize suitable for the computer image plane display frame 1201. When theenlargement process, the reduction process or the scroll process isinstructed by the user, the copy machine 300 converts a base displayingform into a new displaying form and then performs the displaying on theimage plane display frame 1201. When the position within the computerimage plane display frame 1201 is depressed by the user, the copymachine 300 calculates a relative position with respect to the imagepresently displayed on the computer and notifies the calculated positionto the computer side. At the computer side, the interface program inputsthe shift event of mouse cursor to the application program on the basisof the notified coordinate position, to inform the user's operation sentfrom the copy machine 300. This operation is the same as that withrespect to a mouse crick.

It will be explained hereinafter a case where the operation iscontrolled by using a detachable storage medium such as a PC card, afloppy disk or the like.

In this case, when the connection is to be established with thecomputer, the PC card or the floppy disk of which contents havepreviously been set is used. When the remote key is depressed from theoperation key 312 in a state where the PC card or the floppy disk is notinserted, it is displayed on the LCD 309 a message for urging the userto insert the PC card or the floppy disk which acts as a key. Then, whenthe user inserts the PC card or the floppy disk, the CPU 301 confirmsthe insertion of the storage medium and then accesses the insertedmedium to fetch the computer information to be accesses. The computerinformation includes an address of the computer, as well as anidentification code, a password or the like of the user who owns the PCcard or the floppy disk. The copy machine 300 comes to be able toestablish the connection with the computer by using such theinformation. The information concerning the plurality of connectiondestinations can be stored in the same medium as the computerinformation. When the CPU 301 confirms the storing of the plurality ofconnection destination information, the CPU 301 provides to the user thelist of the connectable computers and requests the user to select theconnection destination from among the computers in the list.

On the other hand, the information concerning the computer may notpreviously be stored in the PC card or the floppy disk, but only theuser's information such as the user's identification code, the passwordand the like may previously be stored in the PC card or the floppy disk.In this case, the PC card or the floppy disk is inserted into the copymachine 300, and then the copy machine 300 specifies the user on thebasis of the user's information. Thereafter, when the connection withthe computer can be established in the step S505 of FIG. 28 and the stepS1005 of FIG. 33, the computer information may be stored in the PC cardor the floppy disk in correspondence with the user's information.Further, by referring the past access information of the user in thecomputer selecting procedure shown in FIG. 37, the list of the computersfrom among the computers to which the user had accessed can be formed ina designated form, to be presented.

When, the connection destination is designated by the user or there isessentially one connection destination, the CPU 301 intends to connectwith the computer via the external interface 318. When the connection isestablished, the following procedure is the same as that explainedabove, so that the detailed explanation thereof is omitted. After theconnection with the computer is established in the above manner, asexplained above, the file in the computer is printed or the computer isoperated by the copy machine 300.

Personal information of the computer and the user can be written intothe PC card or the floppy disk used in the embodiment, in a mannerexplained as follows. That is, the user inserts the PC card or thefloppy disk into the computer which is ordinarily used by him, andwrites his own network connection password into the PC card or thefloppy disk by using a data writing program, so that the PC card or thefloppy disk to be used as the key in the copy machine 300 can be formed.

As the PC card or the floppy disk used in the embodiment, it can beutilized any medium which can store the computer connection informationand is portable by the user. For example, a magnetic card, an IC card,an optical card can be utilized as the storage medium. Further, even aportable terminal can be utilized if an interface specifically used forthe portable terminal is provided in the copy machine 300.

In a case where the computer is being accessed in the above manner, inaddition to the previously-explained access releasing method, if the PCcard 305 or the floppy disk 319 is released from the copy machine 300,the CPU 301 detects it and operates to release the access to thecomputer.

According to the above-mentioned copy machine 300, the desired computercan be accessed from the copy machine 300 side, and the image data ofthe file managed by the accessed computer can be fetched to be printedout. Further, since the printing can be performed after the previewoperation, it can effectively be prevented that erroneous image data isprinted out. Furthermore, since the accessing to the computer is allowedby inputting the password or inserting the storage medium including thepassword, a user's secret can effectively be protected. Furthermore, theaccessing to the computer can immediately be released by the user'sinstruction.

Further, even if the user forgets to instruct the releasing of theaccessing, the accessing can automatically be released by means of apredetermined timer. Therefore, since it can effectively be preventedthat the computer accessing state is undesirably maintained due to theuser's error, the user's secret can effectively be protected.

Furthermore, since the infrared ray sensor detects that there is no usernearby the copy machine, the accessing can automatically be released.

Furthermore, in the case where the accessing to the computer isperformed by using the storage medium which stores the connectioninformation, since the storage medium can be considered as the key, theaccessing can be released by removing the storage medium (i.e., thekey), so that the user's secret can effectively be protected.

Furthermore, the operation can be performed by selecting either one ofthe slave mode and the master mode, if necessary.

Furthermore, since the original can be read in response to theinstruction from the copy machine 300 and then transferred, the readimage data can effectively be stored in the desired computer. In thiscase, the file name can be input in the desired computer in response tothe instruction from the copy machine 300.

Furthermore, the desired computer operation can be performed from thecopy machine 300.

Furthermore, in the case where the desired computer is accessed from thecopy machine 300 side, the user can easily select the computer which isoften utilized by him, by providing to the user the list of the limitedcomputers which has been past accessed by the user.

Furthermore, in the case where the computer is accessed by using thestorage medium which stores the user's information, the user can easilyselect the computer by providing based on the user's information in thestorage medium to the user the list of the computers which are to beexclusively accessed by such the user.

Furthermore, the data representing the program for controlling theabove-mentioned operations can be stored in the detachable storagemedium such as a magneto-optical disk or the like, and then the storeddata can be read to be applied to other controllable devices.

As explained in the foregoing, the present invention enables efficientprocess in case of connecting a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatusetc. to a network such as LAN and reading the image with a scanner.

In the foregoing description, the original image is read with thescanner of the copying apparatus or the facsimile apparatus, but it isnaturally possible to utilize a scanner not associated with the printerbut associated with an operation unit.

The present invention has been explained by the preferred embodimentsthereof, but the present invention is not limited to such embodimentsand is subject to various modifications within the scope and spirit ofthe appended claims.

1-33. (canceled)
 34. An image reading apparatus comprising: a readingunit, adapted to read an image and to generate image data correspondingto the image; a connecting unit, adapted to connect said image readingapparatus to a network connectable to a plurality of external devices; adisplay unit, adapted to search for and identify which of those devicesare able to communicate currently and to display the identifieddevice(s); a selecting unit, adapted to select a device from thedevice(s) displayed by said display unit; and an outputting unit,adapted to output the image data from said reading unit.
 35. Theapparatus according to claim 34, further comprising a directorydesignating unit adapted to designate a directory for storing the imagedata in the selected external device, wherein said output unit outputsthe image data from said reading unit with a directory name representingthe designated directory designated by said directory designating unit.36. A controlling method of an image reading apparatus connectable to anetwork, to which a plurality of external devices also are connectable,said method comprising: a reading step of reading an image andgenerating image data corresponding to the image; a display step ofsearching for and identifying devices among the devices on the networkwhich are able to communicate currently and displaying the identifieddevice(s); a selecting step of selecting a device from the device(s)displayed in said display step; and an outputting step of outputting theimage data generated in said reading step.
 37. A computer readableprogram stored in a storage medium, comprising: a reading step ofreading an image and generating image data corresponding to the image; adisplay step of searching for and identifying devices, from among aplurality of external devices connected to a network, which are able tocommunicate currently and displaying the identified device(s); aselecting step of selecting a device from the device(s) displayed insaid display step; and an outputting step of outputting the image datagenerated in said reading step.